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A sculpture at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana. Photo by Maria Surawska. (Maria Surawska, buzz photographer)

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Meadowbrook Park »
Address: Windsor Road and Race Street Urbana, IL 61802
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• Best Park: Meadowbrook Park

In Illinois, winters are so cold that once spring arrives, we feel the need to get out of our houses and enjoy it. For many of us, spring means running, walking or playing sports outside. Although Campustown offers many places to play, Champaign-Urbana has many outdoor parks perfect for nearly every activity. One of these local parks, Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, offers a unique experience for both outdoor lovers and art admirers.

It is not difficult to see what draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to this park. It has won numerous awards for its design and development plans as well as its role in conservation. But its most distinguishing characteristic is the more than 20 sculptures that dot the trails within the park.

Ellen Kirsanoff, development coordinator for the Urbana Park District, said that the goal was to create something that the community could enjoy.

“We wanted to create a community art experience,” Kirsanoff said. “It was a combined effort to work with the landscape and create a natural area.”

Each sculpture on display is on loan from artists for two-year terms. During these terms, the artists receive a stipend for their piece. At the end of the two years, the sculpture’s lease either gets renewed, released back to the artist or is purchased for permanent stays. The program, which has been in place for about 10 years, now has four permanent pieces.

Although there are not many permanent statues, Kirsanoff said it is good that there is a variety.

“We want new stuff,” Kirsanoff said. “It keeps it fresh and interesting.”

Within the community, Kirsanoff notes that the park receives great feedback.

“People come here and still get the nature experience, still get the art experience,” she said.

The park appreciates tax-deductible donations from the public to help support the sculpture program.

In addition to the sculptures, Meadowbrook Park has many other features. Located at Windsor Road and Race Street in Urbana, the park extends more than 130 acres of land. It offers many different running paths and routes that wind throughout the park. There is also the Prairie Play playground as well as several picnic shelters, which can be rented out for special occasions. On the grounds are also two restoration projects: savanna and prairie. A stream even exists that is home to a beaver. These are only a few of the many facets of the park.

For those just looking to take a walk or go for a run, the park is a great way to get away from the normal landscape of city buildings. From training for the Illinois Marathon to rollerskating with friends, all are welcome to tour the park and enjoy the wildlife and artwork year-round. Even if it is just to hang out and get some fresh air, Meadowbrook Park is a wonder ful way to enjoy the outdoors right inside our community.